alto-

(word root) high

Examples of words with the root alto-: altostratus

alto-

combining form

high: altocumulus; altostratus.

[from Latin altus high]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

al•to

(ˈæl toʊ)

n., pl. -tos,
adj. n.

1. contralto.

2. countertenor.

3. the second highest part of a four-part chorus.

4. the second highest instrument in a family of musical instruments.

adj.

5. of, pertaining to, or having the range of an alto.

[1775–85; < Italian < Latin altus high]

alto-

var. of alti-: altostratus.

References in classic literature ?

When for a moment I raised my head to take breath and throw the hair and water from my eyes, the steam was rising in a whirling white fog that at first hid the Martians alto- gether.

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His very existence was improbable, inexplicable, and alto- gether bewildering.

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In open-mouthed wonder the lama turned to this and that, and finally checked in rapt attention before a large alto- relief representing a coronation or apotheosis of the Lord Buddha.